Clearaudio
Clearaudio Goldfinger v.2
Best phono stage for audiophiles seeking versatile, high-fidelity analog playback.
Experience exceptional analog audio with the Clearaudio Balance V2 phono stage. This versatile unit supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, offering ample gain for low-output models. Its precision-milled aluminum chassis houses intuitive controls and offers flexible connectivity, including balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, plus a 6.3mm headphone jack. An external power supply ensures a quiet, interference-free listening experience. The Balance V2 is designed for seamless integration into high-quality home stereo or professional studio setups, delivering audiophile-grade sound with remarkable simplicity.
$1050.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
36
/ 466
#36 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-85%
Below average
Circuitry Type
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking the ultimate reference standard for vinyl playback
- Listeners prioritizing precision engineering and signal purity
- Music lovers demanding explosive dynamics and articulate bass
Who should skip it
- Owners wary of significant long-term maintenance and replacement costs
- Budget-conscious collectors seeking value-oriented equipment
- Casual listeners intimidated by complex calibration requirements
Performance breakdown
Cartridge Versatility
Seamlessly handles both MM and MC cartridges with extensive impedance settings.
Signal Integrity
External power supply effectively isolates sensitive audio signals from electrical noise.
Build Quality
Precision-milled aluminum chassis provides a robust, resonance-free foundation for audio.
Gain Performance
Ample 65 dB gain ensures low-output MC cartridges perform with authority.
Connectivity Options
Balanced XLR and RCA outputs offer flexible integration for diverse systems.
Equalization Precision
High-precision RIAA circuitry delivers accurate, faithful reproduction of vinyl recordings.
Key Specs
Circuitry Type
Solid State
Output Connection Types
RCA, XLR Balanced, 3.5mm Auxiliary
Input Impedance
47kΩ (MM mode), 50, 100, 500, 1k, 5k Ohms (MC)
Input Capacitance
270 pF
Equalization Curve Support
RIAA
Signal to Noise Ratio
-79 dB (MC mode)
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.001%
Subsonic Filter
Yes
Features
- Supports both MM and MC cartridges
- Ample gain for low-output cartridges
- Intuitive operation and fine-tuning options
- Precision-milled aluminum casing
- Balanced XLR and RCA outputs
- Dedicated external power supply
- High-precision RIAA equalization
- Includes headphone output
What customers say
This reference phono cartridge earns enthusiastic praise for its breathtaking transparency and neutrality, acting as a near perfect conduit for music. Reviewers consistently highlight its expansive, holographic soundstage, offering precise instrument placement and remarkable depth. Users report an uncanny ability to retrieve subtle micro details from vinyl grooves, transforming familiar recordings. The cartridge excels in dynamic prowess, handling delicate nuances and explosive transients with authority, supported by deep, controlled bass. While the investment is significant, the performance is considered commensurate with the price, representing a pinnacle of analog playback engineering. Optimal setup with precision components is necessary to unlock its full musical realism.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Balance V2 is designed to support both MM and MC cartridges. It features adjustable input impedance settings for MC cartridges, allowing you to fine-tune the performance for a wide variety of low-output models.
Yes, by housing the power supply externally, Clearaudio isolates the sensitive audio circuitry from electromagnetic interference and noise. This results in a cleaner signal path and a lower noise floor, which is essential for high-fidelity analog playback.
Yes, the Balance V2 includes both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, making it easy to connect directly to a power amplifier or active speakers. It also features a dedicated headphone output for private listening sessions.
The unit includes a built-in subsonic filter designed to remove unwanted low-frequency noise and rumble. This helps protect your speakers and ensures a cleaner, more stable sound reproduction.
Yes, the Balance V2 offers multiple impedance settings for MC cartridges, including 50, 100, 500, 1k, and 5k Ohms. This flexibility ensures you can achieve the optimal electrical match for your specific cartridge's requirements.
The Balance V2 is a dedicated phono stage, not a full-function preamplifier. While it provides gain and equalization for your turntable, it does not have multiple line-level inputs for other sources like CD players or streamers.
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